Minichamps 1:18 1938 Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet *Xenia* H6C Scale Model

Reviewed by:
Design Addict

About the car...

This breathtaking work of art was conceptualized by Andre Dubonnet, heir to the Dubonnet aperitif business, successful race car driver and WWI fighter pilot.

Strikingly, the Xenia featured curved glass on all windows, a panoramic windscreen, gullwing windows and extraordinary "suicide" doors. More than a design revolution, this vehicle has a remarkable history including its forced relocation and hiding during WWII and more recently, numerous "Best of Show" honors at the leading automotive events in the world.

Far ahead of its time, the Xenia resembles the fuselage of an airplane with a slender, tapered shape and pointed tail. A new parallel opening door system was used as part of the aerodynamic design and special attention was given to the undercarriage for clean air movement. The curved glass of the windshield and doors are reminiscent of airplane-styling and the panoramic windscreen and removal top were exceptionally futuristic. It featured an 8 liter overhead-valve inline 6 engine capable of 144bhp in standard form. Further, this 1938 car was designed to reach 125mph which rivaled any car of the time and had a cutting-edge four-wheel independent suspension.

The innovative suspension technology mounted each front wheel on a single arm that extended forward from the kingpin, while a pair of oil-filled, coil spring cylinders offered resistance and swiveled as each wheel turned, improving rise and handling. This original suspension system was later licensed by General Motors and used on its Chevrolet and Pontiac brands. Dubonnet designed his steel masterpiece at 19ft long and claimed that his Hispano-Suiza hyperflex suspension system would give it the “suppleness of a cat”.